Best Mobile Apps to Earn Money in 2025

In the year 2025, more than 40 million Americans have decided to start using mobile applications to generate side income. This information is given by a report published by Gridwise, which provides the latest trends in the gig economy. If you have a smartphone and a little bit of free time, it will be possible for you to be one of them, and the best part is that you don't need to have any special skills. These apps allow you to make money by delivering packages, taking part in surveys, or doing minor jobs that are paid for in real cash.

For beginners, the main point is to go slow: select a single application that is compatible with your working hours, keep a record of your time during the first week, and your target should be regular usage. This article reveals diverse choices reflecting the reports of end-users and the data from platforms. It concentrates on those that have the lowest barriers and are the most trustworthy regarding payments. We have analyzed numerous apps, and our decision was based on various sources.

Understand Your Earning Options Before You Start

It is possible to earn money using your mobile phone in different ways. You just have to find the one that suits your schedule the most. For instance, one of the quickest ways is to give your opinion on survey apps, which usually pay $1 to $5 for each session. On the other hand, if you have a car and some hours to spare, gig apps are the best for you. You can have drive-through deliveries and make an appeal $15 to $25 per hour after you add the tip that you received. Moreover, there are cashback tools that return money to you for shopping as usual, and gaming ones pay for playtime. Finally, passive options require almost no effort and can run in the background of your phone.

It is important that you choose the one that is the best fit for you. If you do not have a car, surveys are the best for you. On the contrary, if you have an extra vehicle, it is better to do rentals. The first step in this direction would be to check the ratings of the app you want to download, either on Google Play or the App Store, always aiming for 4 stars or higher. Secondly, thoroughly read the payout terms.

We suggest being clear about your goals before you start. If all you want is $5 a day as fast as possible, surveys are the way to go. On the other hand, if you want to have $100 a week, gigs are the ones for you.

You can also create a simple spreadsheet and track your earnings. You can have different columns for hours worked, tasks completed, and net pay after deducting any fees. This way, you will be able to see what is suitable for you.

Top Survey and Task Apps for Quick Cash

These apps pay for sharing feedback or small jobs. They work on Android and iOS, with most surveys taking 5 to 15 minutes. In 2025, survey platforms processed billions in rewards, per a Whop report on 55 legit earners.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is really unique because it offers a bunch of different ways to make money, like taking surveys, watching short videos, or even just searching the web. All these activities will give you some points called SB, where 100 SB are equivalent to $1. People get their money back on PayPal or gift cards when they reach 300 SB, which is roughly $3.

Users around the internet mentioned the average daily earnings to be $5 for the time spent of 15 to 60 minutes. A user shared that he made $25 in just four days by doing only high-point surveys. Get the app, fill out your profile to have better matches, and don't forget to look at the daily offers for extra rewards.

The time you receive your money is 1 to 10 days.

Pros: Multiple earning methods; $10 sign-up bonus.

Cons: Surveys can disqualify you mid-way.

Tip: Pair video watching with surveys during commutes for $10 extra weekly.

Survey Junkie

The primary focus of this app is on surveys conducted by companies such as Nike or Amazon. Every survey is between $0.50 and $3, and you are allowed to participate based on your demographics. The minimum withdrawal is $5, which can be done through PayPal or e-gift cards. Users mentioned it as a quick match tool, with users reporting that they could make $40 per month by doing three surveys per day. If you are a new user, you should turn on notifications so that you can quickly get access to the surveys - there are disqualifications, but you can restart your streak. Pair it with our survey-tips article for profile optimization.

Pros: Simple interface; low payout threshold.

Cons: Limited to surveys only.

Tip: Update your profile monthly to match more high-paying polls.

InboxDollars

InboxDollars pays in actual money instead of points for taking surveys, reading emails, and playing games. The surveys usually cost from $0.50 to $5, while they give $5 for signing up. You can withdraw your money in the form of a check, PayPal, or gift cards when you reach $30. It was evaluated as a trustworthy source by the reviewers, as they managed to make up to $225 per month. The users point out that although there is no minimum number of game plays, it is worthwhile to read emails every day because the monetary value ranges from $0.02 to $0.25. It is better to start the day with the short confirmation tasks to make $10 quickly.

Pros: Direct cash payments; bonus for new users.

Cons: Higher cash-out minimum.

Tip: Focus on "Featured Offers" for $20+ one-offs.

Freecash

Freecash is a platform that offers users money for trying out new games and offers, with a limit of up to $100 per task that can be paid through PayPal or cryptocurrency. The least amount that can be withdrawn is $5. Users revealed a daily income of $17 from milestones, but it was assumed that they had to continue the in-app progress for the complete payouts. According to a Reddit post in r/apps, $70 was accumulated in 11 days playing a single game.

Pros: High per-task pay; quick cash-outs.

Cons: Some offers require purchases.

Tip: Stick to free-to-play games to avoid extra costs.

Gig Economy Apps for Higher Hourly Pay

If you drive or have skills, these connect you to local jobs. Expect variable earnings based on demand. Gig apps saw a 15% rise in 2025, per Gridwise data.

DoorDash

DoorDash allows you to deliver food or groceries in your neighborhood. Order base pay is $2-10 per order, with a tip average of 40-60 percent. In busy markets, Gridwise data indicates that drivers will earn $20-25 net per hour. Register, complete a background check, and then the heat map on the app shows the busiest times, such as lunch rushes. Weekly direct deposits, or daily at a fee of $1.99.

Pros: Flexible scheduling; tip potential.

Cons: Gas and wear on vehicle.

Tip: Stack orders during surges for 20% more pay.

Uber

Uber provides rides or deliveries through Uber Eats. Income consists of base fare, tips, and surge pricing, which is averaged at $18-24. New drivers should start in high-demand areas; one of the new drivers was making $200 a week part-time. The application accepts payments on a weekly basis through direct deposit. Maintain a 4.85 rating by communicating with riders, because low scores restrict jobs.

Pros: Surge boosts; multi-service options.

Cons: Passenger interactions vary.

Tip: Drive weekends for double earnings.

Fiverr

Fiverr matches freelancers with small jobs such as writing or graphic design. Offer a starting rate of $5 per job; you receive your bank payment upon completion. EarnIn predicted an average of $100 per gig to newcomers in 2025. Create samples, answer customer demands on a daily basis, and respond punctually to reviews. Then, you can cash out to PayPal after you have $5.

Pros: Skill-based scaling; global clients.

Cons: Competition for gigs.

Tip: Offer bundles to increase order value.

Rover

Rover connects you with pet care positions, such as walking or boarding. The rates begin at $15 per walk; Stripe pays two days later. According to some user reviews, some of them earned up to $200 per week. One user of the Reddit community r/beermoneyglobal posted a photograph of a $150 payment that was a result of three walks per week.

Pros: Fun for animal lovers; repeat clients.

Cons: Physical demands.

Tip: Get certified in pet first aid for premium rates.

Cashback and Rewards Apps for Everyday Spending

Turn routine purchases into earnings without extra work. Cashback apps returned $2.5 billion in 2025, according to Rakuten reports.

Rakuten

Cashback offered by Rakuten on online purchases in 3,500 stores, including Walmart. The income is automatically tracked; PayPal payments begin at $5 quarterly. A June 2025 Medium post has a user who is making $50 a year on groceries alone. Browse the goods using the links on the app and redeem receipts. It works perfectly with beginners, just make sure to activate offers prior to checkout.

Pros: High cashback rates; no receipts needed online.

Cons: Quarterly payouts.

Tip: Use browser extension for automatic tracking.

Ibotta

Ibotta pays for scanning grocery receipts, offering $0.25 to $5 per item. Redeem at $20 via PayPal. You should focus on partnered brands for bonuses.

Pros: Works with any store; team bonuses.

Cons: Receipt upload required.

Tip: Scan within 24 hours for validity.

Fetch Rewards

Sweep any grocery receipt and get points for gift cards. Any receipt is eligible; 3,000 points receive $3 at Amazon or Visa. August 2025 update by BrandBee claimed $100 per year for the regular shoppers. Take snap photos after buying; the points are earned quickly with branded products. There is no entry minimum, but consistency is rewarded.

Pros: Universal receipts; easy entry.

Cons: Slower accumulation.

Tip: Link loyalty cards for auto-points.

Gaming and Passive Apps for Fun or Background Earnings

These require little focus but build over time. Gaming apps hit $57 ARPU in 2025, per Adapty data.

Mistplay

Play recommended mobile games to earn units redeemable for $5 gift cards at 1,500 units. Focus on milestones for faster points. EarnIn's 2025 review pegged it at $20 monthly for casual play. Choose Android-friendly titles; daily logins boost rewards. Payouts via PayPal in days.

Pros: Personalized game picks.

Cons: Android-only.

Tip: Play during ads for double units.

Bingo Cash

Compete in fast bingo tournaments for cash prizes up to $83. Entry fees $1-5; PayPal payouts. The Penny Hoarder noted skill-based wins average $20 per session. Practice free modes first.

Pros: Quick games (2 minutes).

Cons: Deposit for real money play.

Tip: Enter low-stake tournaments to build skills.

Turo

Rent your car to travelers when idle. Set availability and rates; Stripe pays three days post-trip, averaging $900 monthly per vehicle per The Penny Hoarder. List with photos, approve renters via app. Insurance covers rentals—perfect if you commute less.

Pros: High passive income.

Cons: Vehicle availability risks.

Tip: Price competitively in tourist areas.

Honeygain

Share unused internet bandwidth for passive pay. Earn $0.01 per GB shared; PayPal at $20. A Medium 2025 tester made $15 monthly running in background.

Pros: Truly hands-off.

Cons: Data usage concerns.

Tip: Run on secondary devices.

How to Avoid Scams and Stay Safe

Not every app is profitable, and scams guarantee $100 per day, but then they disappear. Always ensure that you use apps with 4+ stars and with reviews. Performance of BBB ratings; valid ones, such as Swagbucks, are rated A+. The r/beermoney on Reddit advises against applications that demand initial payments. Moreover, check pay-outs on Trustpilot. By 2025, FTC had 20 percent fewer gig scams because of improved verification.

The second brilliant thought is to begin with free trials. The last tip is to keep in mind that if an app requests bank information before the learning process, leave.

Tips to Maximize Your Earnings Across Apps

Work with multiple applications to achieve greater outcomes: you can use Swagbucks when you don't have anything to do and DoorDash in the evening. Set up goals, for instance, $50 per week, and record your time to discover your best hourly rate. Be careful about costs - PayPal charges 2.9% on large sums - and subtract costs such as gasoline at $0.70 per mile for 2025 taxes. Multiple app usage research indicates a 30% income increase. To stay safe from scammers, only download apps from the app store and only trust the verified reviews.

Concentrate on the ratings - that is one of the key factors that will give you bonuses on Uber and Fiverr. Check your progress weekly and be ready to make corrections; what is effective in one town may be different in another.

If you are a person who likes to move around and is more suited for you, then choose DoorDash, and if not, then Swagbucks.

Why not try out your first app today? Spend just 30 minutes each day on it and keep track of your earnings over a period of two weeks. You now have the necessary tools to make an extra $200 or more per month - starting small, being consistent, and scaling up.